Multiple gang power lift plow



Feb. zo, 192,3..

W. S. GRAHAM ET AL MULTIPLE GANG POWER LIFT PLOW Filed Jan. '7, 1921 5 sheets-sheet l @n mm Feb. 2o, 1923-, Y l 1;446,11s

W. S. GRAHAM ET AL MULTIPLI? GANG POWER lLIFT PLOW Feb. 2.0, 1923. 1,446,118

w. s. GRAHAM ET'AL. MULTIPLE GANG POWER LIFTVPIIJOW Filed Jan. '7, 1921 3 sheets-,sheet 5 y f7? 0672 Z0/"Sf- 552 /aam 22 Jamas je) Patented F eb. 20, 1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM s. GRAHAM AND JAMES L. HIPPLE, or CANTON, rLLINorsmAssrGNoRs, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, To EBEDGERLACH AND ARNOLD B. KELLER, TRUSTEES,

BOTH OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

IVIUIILITIPLE"GANG POWER-LIFT PLOW. i

Application filed January 7, 1921. Serial No. 435,598.

T0 all whomI t may concer/1t.'

Be it known that we, IILLTAM S. GRAHAM and JAMES L. HIPPLE, citizens of the United States, and residents, respectively, of Ganton, in the county of Fulton and State of Illinois, and of Canton, in the county of Fulton and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Multiple-Gang Power-Lift Flows, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact speciiication.

Our invention consists of an improvement in multiple gang plows and our objects are to embody in a plow of thistype a single traction actuated power lift mechanism for simultaneous control of thel several gangs and to relate the Igangs to each other and to they lift and draft devices so as to secure-uni.- form depth of plowing by all thev gangs as well as ample clearance when the gangs are elevated.

Another object is to connect the gangs so that when they arebeing lowered, the forward plow of a rear gang will lower faster than the last plow of the gang ahead, thus giving the plows comprising the rear gang the downward tilt necessary to run them into the ground point first.

A further object of 'our invention is to produce al plow of this type rthat can be turned in a comparatively short radius while preserving relative rigidity as to horizontal movement between the several sections or gangs.

Our invention accomplishes these objects by connecting the sections or gangs so that the rear end of one section is supported on the front of the next and so that they can flex and tilt on each other in a vertical plane but are held-against motion in a horizontal plane, and by arranging the cranked axles and supporting wheels, and more particularly the intermediate supporting wheels, in such relation to the gangs andthe lift device as to cause the plows on a rear gang to take the ground' at the same time and withthe same downward tilt as those on thef front gang. In order to facilitate traveling, we support the rear gang on swiveled wheels in a novel manner which maintains the swivf' eled spindles in vertical position in both lifted and lowered positions ofthe gangs. l/Vith these and other objects in view, our invention consists ofthe organization and details of construction, or their equivalents, herein described and defined in the claims.

Referring to the drawings- Fig. 1 is aplan view of a multiple gang plow embodying our invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation showing the gangs lowered. f l

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the central portion of the plow as seen in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a similar view taken from the opposite side. v

Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the rear gangl and its connections to the front gang.

. In thepresent instance our invention is disclosedv in connection with a machine comprising two iiexibly connected sections A and B, each ofwhich may consist of four rigidly connected plows, the individual plows and the two sections being positioned relatively-to each other in the usual stepped or echelon arrangement. A yoke member 10 is properly braced and secured to the front plow gang and the gang is supported on opposite cranked axles 11, 12, which are journaled on the gang and carry the land and furrow wheels 13 and 14 respectively. The cranks 11a, 12L on the axles 11, 12` are oppositely inclined with respect to the direction of travel of the gang, that is, the forward axle 11 carrying the front furrow wheel has its crank 11a inclined towards the rear of the gang, while the axle 12 carrying the land wheel has its crank inclined toward the front. The means for turning the axles 11 and 12 for raising1 and lowering the gang is that disclosed in-United States patent to 1V. S. Graham #1,237,505 issued August 21, 1917, but other power lift devices could be substituted in our present invention. In general', this power lift consists of a clutch member 15 iournaled on a stub-shaft 16 pro jectingfrom and' secured to the gang, said clutch member having sprocketteeth on its periphery and being' connected by means of a sprocket'. chain 17 withv the sprocket 18 fixed on the hub of the wheel 13. A, compleinental clutch member 19 is also carried on shaft 16 and supports pawl mechanism adapted to engage internal teeth on member 15 and controlled by a trip 2() which is normally seated in one of opposite notches 19Il in the clutch member 19. Clutch membel` 19 isconnected to the front axle 11 by a link 21 which is pivoted on the clutch member and on a sector 22 which is sleeved on axle A lever 23 is secured toaxle 11 and carries the usual latch by which it may be locked in adjusted position on sector 22, this lever serving to adjust the position of the front furrow wheel 14. A second sector 24 formed on the same sleeve as carries sector 22 has a lever 25 pivoted thereon and the end'25v of this lever is connected by a link .i l26 to the crank 12l on axle 12, this lever serving to adjust the land wheel and the whole mechanism just described acting to turn the axles 11, 12, simultaneously in opposite directions to raise and lower the gang, all as set forth in more detailed manner in the prior patent above referred to. j

A transverse hitch bar 27 is secured to the front of the forward gang, as by hinged brackets 27 ,and extends laterally to a point beyond the land wheel 13. It carries converging draft links 28 for connection to a tractor, and its outer end is connected to the rear gang in the manner to be described.

The rear gang is secured to forwardly extending members 29, corresponding to the yoke member 10 of the front gang, and attached to the plows in the saine manner` but preferably having the front ends connected and braced 'by the U-shaped member 30.. At the front ends the members 29 have vertical plates 31 fixed thereto and these `are apertured to receive a transverse coupling rod 32 retained in the outer plate 31 by cotter pins 33 or equivalent means. The

`inner end'of the coupling rod 32 extends in which the inner end of the coupling rod 32 is received and retained byineans such as a washer and cotter pin 36; The outer one of the plates 31 extends slightly beyond the member 29 and pivotally receives the bent end of the oblique brace rod 37 which has its front end oppositely bent and pivoted `in a plate or bracket 38 xed to the front gang near the land wheelkaxle. .A substantially triangular hitch plate 39 is fixed to, and depends from, the front end of the outer memberI 29 and is provided with `a `vertical series of apertures to adjustably receive the rear end of a draft rod 40 which 'has its front end connected to the outer 'end of the hitch bar 27 in the manner shown on thc drawings, and which is preferably jn'ovided with a turn-buckle connection 40a for purposes of adjustment.

1V ith the construction described, the rear end of the front gang is supported on coupling bar 32 and the relation of the coupling bar 32 and the other connections above described to the gangs constitutes a coupling which allows the gangs to Hex in va vertical plane about the bar 32 as an axis and the playy of the end of bar 32 in the slot 35 permits Sufiicient independent vertical movement of the forward end of the rear gang to cause its plows to dip into the ground point first when the gangs are lowered, while the-relation of rod 32 and brace 37 to the gangs prevents any relative movethe gang, instead of oppositely as in the dles of the land and furrow wheels 44 and 45. The brackets 43 are also provided with upwardly directed arms 43b to which are pivoted rods 46 which extend parallel to the axle cranks and which are pivoted on the gangabove the axle and serve to mamtain the spindle bearings 43a in vertical position whether the gangs are raised or lowered, the rod 46 for the land wheel being received in the upper portion of the hitch plate 39 while the rod for the furrow wheel f is received in the upper part of a vertical plate 47 secured to the beam vof the forward plow of the gang and through which the axle 42 passes. This plate has its rear edge bent outwardly at right angles at 47a s,

and the bent end receives a threaded bolt 48 which is positioned to be engaged by an arm 49 fixed on the crank of axle 42, the bolt forming an adjustable stop Which limits the upward swingof crank42a'. Arm 49 carries alaterally extending swiveled eye 50 at its end which slidably receives the end of a link on which thereis threaded a nut 51"'. The other end of link 51 is pivoted to the end of an upwardly extending end pivoted to an upwardly extending arm- 54 fixed to axle 12 on'the front gang, .the

rear end of rod '53 being bent laterally and passed through arm 52 to serve as a pivot pin for link 51, in the manner shown on the drawings .(F ig. Connecting rod 53 `ispreferably formed in sections connected ybyy a turnbuckle 53a for purposes of adjustment. A rear furrow wheel 55 with an upwardlyextending spindle journaled in a an upwardly extend-inglever arm 58 which is connected by the flexible. link 59 to a vertical arm 6() fixed on axle 41, thus causing the lbracket 56 toy swingen its pivot to raise and lower the rear 'furrow wheel when the .gangs are raised and lowered as heretofore done with single gangs.

IY ith the construction above described, each actuation of the lift mechanism causes approximately ka half revolution of the clutch .member.19, which, through the' links 2'1 and 26 operates to turn i the cranked axles 11, 12, inopposite directions, resulting in corresponding shiftin of the wheels and. lifting or lowering rof t e `front gang.

At the same rtime the arm 54 on axle 12' and the `connecting rod 53 transmit movement in a direct line to axles 41, 42, which are both rotated in the same direction owing to their connection through link 51, and the rear section of the plow is therefore raised or lowered in unison with the front.

It should be noted that 'owing to the slidable or lost motion connection of link 51 in the eye 50, the axle 42 is practically released from .its connection to axle 41 when the'gang has been lowered,'as the stop-nut 51a is then moved rearwardly out of contact with eye 50 on arm 49, as best seen on Figs. 3 and 4 and the intermediate furrow wheel. 45 has its limit of elevation fixed by contact of arm 49 with stop 48 and is therefore independent;of its lifting connection in that respect and functions as an` adjustable gage wheel;

, In consequence of the movement allowed the end of rod 32in slot35 the front of the vrear gang dips before the .rear plow of the front gang kdoes so. The effect of this is to cause the plows of the rear gang to run linto the ground point first, thus eliminating interference to descent ofthe plows by stubble and trash, .as would otherwise occur and insuring that the plows in each gang will reach plowing depth at practically the same instant, wheel 45 serving-to determine the depth for both the rear ofthe front gang and the front of the reargang. When the link 51 moves forwardly during raising of the gangs, the nut lais'brought into contactvwith eye 5,0 and the axle 42 is swung in unison with-axle 41.

: Owing to 'the fact that the rear land wheel 44 and intermediate and rear furrow wheels 45,55, are swivelly mounted, the raised gangs maybe easily turned and transported although the sections are rigidly held against pivotal movement in a horizontal direction. l v

The present .description exemplifies one form-ofour invention and the construction shown is subject to such changes as come within the .scope of the following claims:

1. In a soil working machine, the combination of a plurality of flexibly connected sections, a vertically shiftable land and furrow wheel on the forward portion of each section, and a power lift device on one of the sections having operating con- .nections with the wheels on each section.

2. In a soil working machine, the combination of front and rear sections, a vertically shiftable land and furrow wheel on section and connected to 'the wheels on the rear section for shifting said wheels in unison.

4. In Ia soil working machine, the 'combination of front and rear sections, cranked .axles journaled on each section, supporting wheels on the cranks, a power lift device driven from one of the wheels and connected to the axles on one section for swinging the cranks, and means connecting 'the axles on, both sections for joint movement.

5. In a soil working machine, the combination of front and yrear hingedly connected sections, a pair of Aopposite crank axles journaled on each section, means connecting the axles of each pair for joint rotation, supporting wheels on the cranks, a

,power lift device driven from one of the supporting wheels on the front section and connected to the front pair of axles, an arm on one of the rear axles, and a link pivoted to an arm on one of the front axles and to the arm on the rear axle.

y6. In a plow, the combination of a front plow y gang', a rear plow gang positioned laterally of and hinged to the front gang .for movement in a vertical plane, opposite vcranked axles journaled on each gang, wheels on the cranks of the front gang,

brackets on thefcranks of the rear gang,

wheels swiveled in `said brackets, and means Yon one of the gangs for rotating all the axles in unison. tolift and lower the gangs.

` 7. In a plow, the combination of front and rear `connected plow gangs, opposite` cranked axles ]urnaled on each gang, sup-k porting` wheels on the cranks, and `lifting "means on the front gang connected tothe axles of both gangs for rotatingthem in l'unison to raise and lower the gangs in cluding a lost motion 'connection'be-tween the axles on therear gang. Y

`8. In a plow, the combination of front 'and rear offsetplow gangs, oppositecranked `axles journaled on each gang, a land and furrow wheel on lthe respectivey cranks of each gang the land wheel axle on the rear y'gang being in advance of the axle carrying the furrow Wheel, and lifting ,'means on the `front gang connected tothe axles of both gangs for rotating them in unison to raise and llower the gangs, including a` lost 'motion ets, links pivotally connecting thebraclkets to a fixed Vpart of thegang, and lifting means connected to the axles for rotating them in unison. i

10.. VIn a multiple gang plow, a section comprising a gang tof plows, 'a pair of opposite cranked axles journaled on the gang with the crank of the forward axle on the land ,side 'of the gang, brackets journaled on the 1vcranks, land and furrow wheels swiveled `in the respective'brackets,`links pivotally. connecting the brackets to a `fixed part of 'the gang, lifting means 'connected'to Athe front laxle Afor rotating it', and means connecting the t'wo axles vfor "rotation "in the same direction including a lost motion conne'ction.

1 11. In a plow, the combination of a front plow gang, a rear plow gang hinged to the front gang for movement in a vertical plane, a pair of 'opposite cranked axles journ'aled on each gang, land and furrowwheels on the respective cranks'of each gang, the; positions 'of the axles on one gangbeing 'reversed with respect to the other gang, and lifting means on the front gang connected to all the `axles for rotating them in unison to raise and lower the gangs.

12. In a plow, the combination of a wheel supported front plow gang, afrear plow gang hinged to the front gang for movement lin a vertical plane, a pair of 'opposite Vcranked axles journaled 'on each gang, land andf'furrow wheels on the respective cranks of each gang, the positlons of the axleson one gang being reversed with respect t0 the othergang and the cranks of the rear gang both being aire-aa toward are same `end of the gang, and lifting means on the front gang connected to lall the axles for rotating them in unison to raise and lower the gangs including means for rotating the axles of thev front gang in' opposite direc 'tions and those of the rear gang in the same direction. v i

13. In `aniultiple gang low,l thecombination of front `and rear p ow gangs, means connecting the ygangs for relative movement in a vertical plane, vertically shiftable supporting wheelsionV each gang, lifting means on one of the gangs having wheel shifting connections with the wheels on both gangs,

"and means operative during lowering `of 'the gangs for causing the forward end of vthe rear gang to descend before therear end of the front gang.

14. In a multiple ,gang low, the combination offrent and rear pljow gangs, vertically shiftable land and furrow wheels -on theforward portion ofeach gang, coupling means supporting the rear of the front gang on the Afront of the rear ga-ng including means permitting vertical rmovemlent laetween the gangs, and liftin means on one with the wheels on both "gangs, and means independent of the shifting `connection for the furrow wheel on the rear gang for lixing the limit of its upward movement.

16. In -a multiple gang plow, the lcombination of front and rear `offset sections, vertically shiftable land and furrow wheels on the forward portion of each section, coupling means supporting the rear of the front section on the front of the rear section, including 'means permittin relative movement between them in a vertical plane, and kan oblique brace member extending from the side of the front section' to the front ofthe rear section and fixing them against movement horizontally.

17. In a multiple gang plow, the combi-- nation of front and rear gangs of rigidly connected plows, a transverse coupling bar on the rear gangs with its inner 'end loosely pivoted on the inner end of the reargang,

vertically shift'able supporting wheels on each gang, and 'unitary mechanism on the forward gang for shiftingfall'the wheels to' raise and lowerthe gangs in unison. l In a multiple gangfplow, the Acombination of front' 'and'` rear gangs of rigidly "the gangs having wheel shifting connections connected plows, a transverse coupling bar on the rear gang with its inner end loosely pivoted on the rear end ofthe forward gang, vertically shiftable supporting wheel on each gang, unitary mechanism o-n the forward gang for shifting all the wheels to raise and lower the gangs in unison, and a pivoted brace member extending from the side of the front gang and connected to the outer end of said coupling bar for fixing 1o tures.

WILLIAM S. GRAHAM. JAMES L. HIPPLE. 

